Ribbon cut on remodeled Lighthorse Police Station

ADA, Okla. – A historic police department which serves thousands of community citizens celebrated the grand opening of its newly-renovated headquarters Wednesday, July 25.

Chickasaw Nation Gov. Bill Anoatubby led the ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open the remodeled Lighthorse Police headquarters at 1130 West Main.

Gov. Anoatubby was joined by several tribal officials, law enforcement officers and community members to dedicate the building.

“Lighthorse has a long history within the Chickasaw Nation, beginning prior to statehood,” said Gov. Anoatubby. “When the Chickasaw Nation had sole jurisdiction over this area, Lighthorsemen were the law enforcement officers. Today, the mission of Lighthorse officers is the same, to serve and protect and make sure they keep our citizens safe.

“Working hand-in-hand with federal, state and local law enforcement officers, the Lighthorse Police Department is part of a cooperative effort to provide a much-needed service to every citizen who lives in the Chickasaw Nation, and beyond.”

Lighthorse officers have been part of several cooperative law enforcement initiatives in southern Oklahoma. These include the District 22 Drug Task Force, a joint anti methamphetamine campaign with the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and a joint operation with the Pontotoc County Sheriff’s Department to help curb underage drinking.

“We say thank you to the brave men and women of all the law enforcement agencies who work diligently to ensure the safety and security of our community,” said Gov. Anoatubby.

Since the Lighthorse Police Department was re-established with six officers and a police chief in 2004, the department has grown to include 31 sworn uniformed and investigative officers, two dual-certified narcotic K-9 Units, a Dive team and a Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team.

“Thanks to the vision and tireless work of all its officers, the Lighthorse Police Department is one of the most respected and proactive law enforcement agencies in the state,” said Gov. Anoatubby.

Lighthorse Police in 2009 received the highest honor a BIA district office can bestow for serving and protecting the citizens of the Pine Ridge and Standing Rock Sioux Reservations in South Dakota. The officers served away from home for up to one month.

The department also made history when the first cross deputation agreement with the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs was inked in 2007, which led to numerous investigations and arrests.

The LPD patrol bureau also conducts programs for Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE), Gang Resistance Education And Training (GREAT) and Neighborhood Watch programs to promote crime prevention to area schools and communities.

“Because of the department’s tremendous growth, a remodel of its headquarters was needed,” said Gov. Anoatubby.

Updates include a large training room, a workout room with machines and a tactical training area, an evidence room and lab, K-9 unit office, interrogation rooms, conference rooms, and various office spaces.

Designed for the safety of its officers, LPD headquarters features controlled access doors.

The exterior of the building received a fresh coat of paint, removal of the front drive, the addition of three flag poles and new landscaping, irrigation and sod.

A new Lighthorse Police sign has been constructed at the front of the building.

To contact the Lighthorse Police Department call (580) 436-1166 or (580) 436-7213.

Chickasaw Nation Gov. Bill Anoatubby, ninth from left, is joined by tribal officials and law enforcement officers to cut the ribbon on the newly-renovated Chickasaw Lighthorse Police Department Wednesday, July 25. Joining Gov. Anoatubby are, first row, from left; Lighthorse officer Michael Holloway, tribal administrator Tom John, tribal justice Cheri Bellefeuille-Gordon, tribal legislators Shana Tate Hammond, Katie Case, officer Vincent Walters, legislators Mary Jo Green and Nancy Elliott, Gov. Anoatubby, legislator Toby Perkins, officer Gary Dodd, investigator Steve Cash, officer Phillip Wood, and investigator George Jessie. Photo by Mike McKee.
The newly-renovated Chickasaw Lighthorse Police Department was dedicated in a ribbon cutting ceremony Wednesday, July 25. Photo by Mike McKee.
Chickasaw Nation Lighthorse officers at the ribbon cutting ceremony. Photo by Mike McKee.